Things have gone from bad to worse for Martin Bakole, with the fighter’s future hitting an enormous stumbling block.
In a bizarre turn of events, after Daniel Dubois pulled out of his world title defense against Joseph Parker, the warrior, previously considered to be ‘The Boogeyman’ of the division, agreed to step up to the place.
Hopping on several flights, the powerhouse made his way from The Congo to Saudi Arabia, with less than 24 hours to go before his fight.
Unsurprisingly, this had a debilitating effect on his punch resistance, with Parker knocking Bakole out with a big right hand in just the second round.
WOW: Joseph Parker’s trainer makes surprise ‘step aside’ admission despite KO win over Martin Bakole
Martin Bakole will no longer be in an IBF final eliminator with Efe Ajagba
After losing to Michael Hunter back in 2018, Martin Bakole climbed the mountain the hard way, claiming victories over Tony Yoka, Carlos Takam and Jared Anderson.
Following seven years of hard work, the knockout artist finally booked in an IBF final eliminator against Efe Ajagba, in May.
But instead of waiting it out, he rolled the dice, fighting Joseph Parker despite being far and away from in the condition he’d have needed to be in to win the contest.
Now, according to Dan Rafael, the 31-year-old’s massive opportunity is no more. The boxing journalist tweeted: After getting KO’d by Parker on Saturday, Martin Bakole is ineligible for the May 2 IBF heavyweight title eliminator he was set for vs Efe Ajagba. “Bakole is out of the eliminator,” an IBF spokesperson said. “We will move on to the next leading available contender.”
When fans brought up that Turki Al-Sheikh said that Bakole would still take on Ajagba, Rafael replied: “Perhaps he will, but the IBF said it would not be sanctioned as an eliminator. Any fight can be made, but the organizations control their belts.”
Sheesh: Joseph Parker’s coach reveals thoughts behind accepting Martin Bakole fight
‘Put me in’ – Martin Bakole fires back at Frank Warren
While prior to the Parker fight, many believed Bakole could be the man to take over the heavyweight division, Frank Warren was never convinced.
This rendered the boxer furious, who was more than happy to prove to the Hall of Fame promoter what he’s all about.
Angry at the remarks, Bakole took aim at Warren.